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Biomedical subjects

M F Rolland-Cachera

Publications and source records attributed to M F Rolland-Cachera.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Early adiposity rebound: causes and consequences for obesity in children and adults.

Childhood obesity is an important public health problem, with a rapidly increasing frequency worldwide. Identification of critical periods for the development of childhood and adolescent obesity could be very useful for targeting prevention measures. Weight status in early childhood is a poor predictor of adult adiposity status, and most obese adults were not obese as children. We first proposed to use the body mass index (BMI) charts to monitor individual BMI development. The adiposity rebound (AR) corresponds to the second rise in BMI curve that occurs between ages 5 and 7 years. It is not as direct a measure as BMI at any age, but because it involves the examination of several points during growth, and because it is identified at a time when adiposity level clearly change directions, this method provides information that can help us understand individual changes and the development of health risks. An early AR is associated with an increased risk of overweight. It is inversely associated with bone age, and reflects accelerated growth. The early AR recorded in most obese subjects and the striking difference in the mean age at AR between obese subjects (3 years) and non-obese subjects (6 years) suggest that factors have operated very early in life. The typical pattern associated with an early AR is a low BMI followed by increased BMI level after the rebound. This pattern is recorded in children of recent generations as compared to those of previous generations. This is owing to the trend of a steeper increase of height as compared to weight in the first years of life. This typical BMI pattern (low, followed by high body fatness level) is associated with metabolic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart diseases. Low body fatness before the AR suggests that an energy deficit had occurred at an early stage of growth. It can be attributable to the high-protein, low-fat diet fed to infants at a time of high energy needs, the former triggering height velocity and the latter decreasing the energy density of the diet and then reducing energy intake. The high-fat, low-protein content of human milk may contribute to its beneficial effects on growth processes. Early (pre- and postnatal) life is a critical period during which environmental factors may programme adaptive mechanisms that will persist in adulthood. Under-nutrition in fetal life or during the first years after birth may programme a thrifty metabolism that will exert adverse effects later in life, especially if the growing child is exposed to overnutrition. These observations stress the importance of an adequate nutritional status in childhood and the necessity to provide nutritional intakes adapted to nutritional needs at various stages of growth. Because the AR reflects particular BMI patterns, it is a useful tool for the paediatrician to monitor the child's adiposity development and for researchers to investigate the different developmental patterns leading to overweight. It contributes to the understanding of chronic disease programming and suggests new approaches to obesity prevention.

Adiposity↗
PubMed2005

Obesity, overweight and thinness in schoolchildren of the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of obesity, overweight (including obesity) and thinness in children of the city of Florianopolis (southern Brazil). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Representative sample of 7-10-y-old schoolchildren of the first four grades of elementary schools (1432 girls, 1504 boys). METHODS: Measurements of weight, height and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) were taken following standard techniques. The body mass index (BMI) was computed as weight/height2. Nutritional status was defined using two references: (1) the Must et al reference for BMI and TSF to define thinness, overweight and obesity (5th, 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively); (2) the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI cutoffs to define overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Using BMI, according to the Must et al, and IOTF references, the prevalence of obesity was 10.6 and 5.5%, respectively; overweight (including obesity) affected 26.2 and 22.1% of children, respectively. According to the Must et al reference, the prevalence of thinness was 3.2%. Using TSF rather than BMI, according to the Must et al references, fewer children were classified as obese (8.0%) or overweight (20.2%) and more children were classified as thin (4.9%). CONCLUSION: This study supports the previously reported high frequencies of childhood overweight and obesity in developing countries. The data allow comparisons with other studies carried out in Brazil and other parts of the world.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2004

[Longitudinal study of anthropometric measurements in Parisian children aged ten months to 18 years].

AIM: To describe growth parameters in children followed longitudinally from 10 months of age to 18 years and to compare these data with reference values obtain in children born 30 years earlier. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A follow study started in 1985 in Paris Health Centres at the ages of I 0 months, 2 and 4 years and subsequently at home every 2 years. Anthropometric data were compared with reference values derived from the French sample of the International Longitudinal Growth study which started in 1953-59. RESULTS: As compared to the reference values, children were taller. At the age of 18 years, in boys, height increase was 5.6 cm. This difference appeared as early as at the age of 12 years. Height increase in girls was 1.6 cm, but this difference was greater at 12. Thereafter, height gain was smaller than 30 years before. The Skélique index was greater due to longer leg length. Fat mass was higher and displayed a more android pattern. A higher prevalence of overweight appeared from the age of 8 years. CONCLUSION: Nowadays, growth processes seem unfavourable as compared to 30 years earlier. Fast growth, long leg length, android body fat distribution and overweight are associated with risk factors of various pathologies(cardiovascular diseases and cancer). Factors promoting these changes over time deserve to be explored more fully.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Massive obesity in adolescents: dietary interventions and behaviours associated with weight regain at 2 y follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of weight-reducing diets containing different amounts of protein and CHO on body composition in obese adolescents and to examine dietary and physical activity behaviours during follow-up. METHODOLOGY DESIGN: Prospective randomised study comparing two weight-reducing diets with the same energy (1750 kcal) and fat (31%) content, but different protein and carbohydrate contents: PROT- (15% protein, 54% CHO) vs PROT+ (19% protein, 50% CHO). PATIENTS: Massively obese 11- to 16-year-old children (32 boys and 89 girls). SETTING: A 9-month treatment in a medical centre (boarding school) plus a 2-y follow-up in free-living patients examined at home 1 and 2 y after treatment. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, nutritional intakes and physical activity. RESULTS: Of the 121 eligible children (61 in PROT- and 60 in PROT+), 82% completed the trial until the end of weight loss treatment and 60% were followed 2 y after treatment. Body mass index (BMI) value at inclusion was 36.3 kg/m(2) or 4.3 z-scores (2.9-5.9). BMI z-score decreased to 1.7 at the end of treatment and went back to 2.8 (0.8-6.1) 2 y after treatment. This corresponded to a weight loss of 30.3 kg and weight regain of 21.3 kg. After treatment, energy intake increased and physical activity decreased. The contribution of energy ingested at breakfast decreased while snacking increased. For all measurements, no dietary group differences existed at baseline or at any time during the intervention and follow-up. CONCLUSION: A higher protein content of the diet did not confer any benefit in the treatment of childhood obesity. Substantial weight loss was obtained with a moderately energy-restricted diet and normal fat content. After weight loss, mean weight increased in spite of moderate energy intake, together with a drift towards obesity-associated behavioural patterns. The causes of the inability to adopt normal weight subjects' behaviour permanently deserve to be investigated further.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Prevention strategies of childhood obesity].

Considering the high prevalence and the increasing trends, obesity is now considered as a public health problem in numerous countries. The main aim of the National Program of Nutrition and Health is to stop the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. In this frame work, a group of experts has established a new presentation of the corpulence curves, adapted for clinical practice, to define normal weight and obesity. Weight status is now currently assessed on the basis of weight and height measurements, after computing the Quetelet index or body mass index (BMI) corresponding to weight (m) divided by square of height (weight/height2). As body proportion varies during growth, age must be taken into account. Various curves were published. In 1982, based on the French sample of the international growth study, BMI curves were published. They were revised in 1991. The third and 97th centiles define the normal weight range. Overweight is defined by BMI values greater than the 97th centile. In the year 2000, a new international definition was established. Two centiles were constructed to define overweight and obesity. The new BMI charts adapted for clinical practice, proposed by the French National program of nutrition and health, include the French reference curves plus the centile defining obesity in the international definition. Thus, in the new French charts, the area above the 97th centile is split in two levels (degree 1 obesity and degree 2 obesity). Drawing the BMI curve for each child, like drawing weight and height curves, is a simple act which can be done routinely. The age at adiposity rebound (an indicator predicting the risk of adult obesity) can be read from the curve. It allows to identify an early phase of obesity development, even at the time when overweight is not yet clinically visible. When obesity appears clearly, the identification is easy. The use of BMI curves is particularly useful in two situations: (1) in very young overweight children, the curves allow to identify children who have a real risk of developing obesity. (2) By the age of 6 years, when due to normal physiological variations, clinical assessment can be misleading. The BMI curves allow to identify children at risk. When a child is identified as having a real risk of obesity, simple preventive measures, adapted for each subject, could avoid a development toward massive obesity, which may become difficult to reduce if managed too late.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The French longitudinal study of growth and nutrition: data in adolescent males and females.

OBJECTIVES: To assess nutritional intake, growth parameters, physical activity and television viewing in French adolescents. METHOD: A longitudinal study of dietary intake and anthropometric data recorded in the same children (n = 94) from 10 to 16 years of age is presented here. RESULTS: Energy intake increased from age 10-16 years in boys, whereas it decreased in girls from the age of 14. Height and weight increased in both males and females over the same period of time. Energy intake was positively associated with age at menarche. Nutritional intake, such as fat and calcium, did not meet recommendations for French adolescents. Height was higher than reference values, but the difference was not significant for girls between 14 and 16 years. Overweight (BMI > 97th percentile of the French reference) was found to be 13-14% between age 10 and 16 years. Time watching TV/computer increased with age from 1.4 to 2.2 h day-1 from 10 to 16 years. Active children had nutritional intake closer to recommendations. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study shows that during adolescence, some nutritional variations can be explained by normal individual growth processes. Low intake of calcium in girls and sedentary lifestyle are of particular concern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The anabolic steroid oxandrolone increases muscle mass in prepubertal boys with constitutional delay of growth.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oxandrolone on body composition in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty. In 14 prepubertal boys, height, weight, triceps and subscapular skinfolds and upper arm circumference were measured. Body mass index, the ratio of subscapular to triceps skinfolds and the upper muscle area were also determined. The difference of the various measurements and indices, 3 to 6 months before and after commencement of oxandrolone treatment, were calculated, while the boys remained prepubertal. We observed a marked increase in body mass index, a decrease of triceps and subscapular skinfolds, an increase in the ratio of subscapular to triceps skinfolds and also an increase in upper muscle area after the onset of oxandrolone treatment. These results suggest that low dose oxandrolone administration in prepubertal boys with constitutional growth delay causes a disproportionate increase of weight to height which is largely due to increased body muscle.

Anabolic Agents↗
PubMed2000

Nutritional status and food intake in adolescents living in Western Europe.

This review covers surveys of nutritional intake in adolescents living in several countries of Western Europe. Current definitions of nutritional status are discussed, with a special emphasis on adolescent years. It is generally observed that obesity rates are increasing (especially those of massive obesity) in young people, whereas declared energy intakes are decreasing. Average daily energy input seems adequate in adolescents of Western Europe. However, fat (especially saturated) intake is high while that of CHO and fiber is low. Proteins are mainly (two-thirds) from animal sources. Average micronutrient intakes correspond to recommended values in most cases, but there are a few exceptions (calcium and iron) that are low, particularly in girls. Specific problems become frequent at adolescence, such as dieting, smoking, getting low quality foods away from the home, etc. These behaviors may induce adverse nutritional conditions. On average, nutritional problems at adolescence do not appear to be more severe than at other ages, however they may exert a strong deleterious impact on future health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Physical activity and body composition in 10 year old French children: linkages with nutritional intake?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships between physical activity, dietary intake and body composition in children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study on physical activity, nutritional intakes and body composition conducted in 86 healthy 10 y old French children. In addition, growth parameters and nutritional intakes were available from the age of 10 months. MEASUREMENTS: Physical activity level (using a validated activity questionnaire over the past year), nutritional intake (dietary history method), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, Body Mass Index (BMI), arm muscle and arm fat areas calculated from these measurements) at the age of 10 y. Anthropometric measurements and nutritional intakes were recorded in the same children at the age of 10 months and every 2 y from the age of 2 y. RESULTS: At the age of 10 y, active children ingested significantly more energy than less active children, mostly due to higher energy intake at breakfast and in the afternoon. This higher energy intake was accounted for by increased consumption of carbohydrates (281 g vs 246 g; 49.6% vs 47.4% of total energy). Even if the amounts of fat consumed were similar in both groups (90 g vs 84 g; P = 0.09), the percentage of fat intake was lower in active children (35.4% vs 37.4%; P = 0.04). The percentage of protein was not different (14.9% vs 15.3%; P = 0.33). In spite of a higher energy intake in the active group, active and less active children had similar BMI at the age of 10 y. However, their body composition differed significantly: active children had a higher proportion of fat-free mass, a lower proportion of fat-mass as measured in the arm and they had a later adiposity rebound. Fatness was significantly and positively associated with the time spent watching television and video games. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was associated with improved body composition and growth pattern. This association may be related to nutritional changes: active children consumed more energy by increasing carbohydrate, thus reducing the relative fat content of their diet. These results provide support to encourage physical activity during childhood.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1997

Body composition assessed on the basis of arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness: a new index validated in children by magnetic resonance imaging.

Fat and muscle areas can be calculated from equations on the basis of upper arm circumference (C) and triceps skinfold thickness (TS). These equations assume a circular limb and muscle compartment and a symmetrically distributed fat rim: total upper arm area (TUA) = C2/(4 pi), upper arm muscle area (UMA) = [C - (TS x pi)2]/(4 pi), and upper arm fat area (UFA) = TUA - UMA. This traditional method underestimates the degree of adiposity. We propose that the unrolled fat rim is a rectangle whose length = C and width = TS/2. The following new indexes are based on this assumption: upper arm fat area estimate (UFE) = C x (TS/2), and upper arm muscle area estimate (UME) = TUA - UFE. To validate these equations, areas were measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 28 children aged 9-15 y (17 control subjects and 11 obese subjects). Correlations between MRI and UFA and MRI and UFE were similar (r = 0.96 for both correlations in the control group and r = 0.84 and 0.82, respectively, in the obese group), but the areas assessed by MRI (13.8 cm2) were closer to UFE (12.4 cm2) than to UFA (11.2 cm2) in the control group as well as in the obese group (MRI = 48.7 cm2, UFE = 46.6 cm2, and UFA = 38.5 cm2). The limits of agreement between MRI and anthropometry were 5.7 +/- 5.8 cm2 for UFA and 0.6 +/- 5.0 cm2 for UFE, showing that UFA is not acceptable in most cases, whereas UFE measurements are close to MRI measurements. In conclusion, UFE and UME are simple and accurate indexes to assess body composition. French reference values are available from 1 mo to 17 y of age.

Adipose Tissue↗